Panchadaan

Panchadaan

August-September, third day of waning half of Hindu month of Bhadrapada; July-August, eighth day of waxing half of Hindu month of SravanaThe Alms Giving Festival in Nepal is based on the Dangatha chapter of the Kapidawdan, an ancient Buddhist text, stating that those who donate food and clothing to beggars on this day will be blessed with seven great gifts: health, happiness, longevity, wisdom, wealth, fame, and children. All Buddhists, rich or poor, go from door to door in large groups begging for alms. They are usually well received in Nepalese homes—even non-Buddhist people give food or money to the Buddhist beggars on this day.
In Patan and elsewhere in Nepal, Panchadaan is observed on the eighth day of the waxing half of Sravana. In Kathmandu and Bhadgaon, it is observed on the third day of the waning half of Bhadrapada.
SOURCES:
FolkWrldHol-1999, p. 519
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